storms

A powerful storm moved through parts of northern Calloway County early Thursday afternoon, generating a possible downburst near Kirksey that damaged more than 20 structures, leveled about 50 trees, and brought down several power lines.

Western Kentucky Red Cross chapters have deployed seven volunteers to help with Hurricane Isaac Storm clean up. Paducah Area Red Cross Director Jessica Toren says the volunteers from four chapters have deployed to locations in Florida, Texas, Alabama and Louisiana, and more volunteers are on standby.

Floods in 2011 and this year’s tornadoes could complicate the tax returns filed by Kentucky farmers. For example, when farmers receive an insurance check for damaged crops, IRS spokesman Luis Garcia says they must claim that money as income. And, if bad weather forces the early sale of livestock, Garcia says that income can sometimes be claimed on next year’s tax return.

As severe weather struck our region this week many of you might have had weather radios alerting you of warnings to your county or the loud outdoor sirens you might be used to. This week, though as a Tornado Warning was issued for northern Calloway County residents in the storm’s path heard no out-door sirens, because there aren’t any. WKMS’ Shelly Baskin speaks with Calloway County Emergency Management Director Bill Call to find out why.

Severe weather headed to our region again tonight will likely arrive in two in two waves. Forecasters say the first one will arrive late tonight and will probably produce hail and damaging winds the second one will arrive late Friday morning and possibly result in tornadoes and more hail. National Weather Service Paducah Forecaster Jim Packett says the storms tomorrow could hold off until later, though.

A flash flood warning remains in effect for much of the WKMS listening area through 3:45 this afternoon. A tornado watch is in effect for portions of northwest Tennessee through 5:30 this evening. In Illinois, just north of our broadcast area, Saline County experienced severe damage. Officials confirm six people were killed in the storms. In Kentucky, authorities say power lines are down in Ballard County with no reports of injuries. McCracken County officials say a mobile home was destroyed near Ogden Landing road. Five people inside were injured, one seriously.